Moldova declares environmental alert after Russian strike on Ukraine's Dniester HPP
Photo: Maia Sandu (Getty Images)
Moldovan President Maia Sandu states that the Russian attack on the Novodnistrovsk Hydroelectric Power Plant in Ukraine poses an environmental threat to the Dniester River and could affect the country’s water supply.
According to the Moldovan leader, the consequences of the Russian strike on the Novodnistrovsk hydroelectric power plant in the Chernivtsi region on March 7, have already led to an oil spill in the river.
"Russia’s attack on Ukraine’s Novodnistrovsk hydropower plant has spilled oil into the Nistru River, threatening Moldova’s water supply. We declared environmental alert and are acting to protect our people," the politician writes.
The President of Moldova emphasizes that Russia bears responsibility for what happened.
"Russia bears full responsibility," Sandu stresses.
Dniester contamination
Following the Russian military’s attack on the Novodnistrovsk Hydroelectric Power Plant, experts detected traces of industrial lubricants in the water.
According to preliminary data from Ukraine's Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, the pollution may be linked to a rocket fuel leak.
The contaminated water has spread downstream along the Dniester. In particular, traces of pollution have been detected near the Moldovan village of Naslavcea.
Moldova's response and international appeals
Amid environmental risks, the Moldovan government has already appealed to the European Union for support, as reported by the country’s Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.
In addition, Ukraine and Moldova have agreed to jointly appeal to international organizations to condemn Russia’s actions, which led to damage to hydropower infrastructure and the pollution of the Dniester.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu revoked a pardon granted to a Moldovan citizen who had previously been convicted and was later identified as one of the organizers of assassination attempts against prominent Ukrainian figures. He was released in 2022 following the head of state’s signing of the pardon.
Former Moldovan Defense Minister Vitalie Marinuța stated that Ukraine needed to maintain a military presence near Transnistria, as the Russian contingent stationed in the region could pose a threat of potential destabilization.
